Nominee emphasizes China as pacing challenge, urges industrial‑base revival and stronger Indo‑Pacific posture

Elbridge Colby, the president's nominee for Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that "there is a real risk of major war" and that U.S. strategy must prioritize competition with China. Colby said the military balance in the Western Pacific "has deteriorated dramatically" and that preparing to defend Taiwan should be a top objective.

In testimony and exchanges with senators, Colby and his introducers highlighted three linked priorities: (1) a focused deterrence and denial strategy for the Indo‑Pacific, especially Taiwan; (2) expanded U.S. military presence and capabilities in East Asia; and (3) a far‑reaching revival of the U.S. defense industrial base so the United States can surge production and field advanced systems.

Vice President J.D. Vance told the committee Colby "saw around corners" on defense industrial weaknesses; Sen. Jim Banks described Colby as a lead author of the 2018 National Defense Strategy that refocused U.S. planning on great‑power competition with China and Russia. Colby said the department must ensure the right forces, weapons and industrial capacity are "in the right place at the right time." He also said allies must be encouraged and incentivized to spend more and field combat capabilities.

Senators pressed Colby on Taiwan policy and past writings. Colby described Taiwan as "very important" and said losing Taiwan "would be a disaster for American interests," while reiterating that the balance of forces has worsened and therefore the U.S. must invest to improve the defensive posture and help Taiwan and regional partners increase their capabilities.

Committee members pressed for specifics about industrial and procurement measures. Colby said options include a national mobilization of the defense industrial base, use of the Defense Production Act and deregulatory steps to increase output, but he deferred detailed acquisition changes to officials and offices responsible for acquisition and sustainment. Several senators urged faster shipbuilding, more attack submarines and timely arms transfers to Taiwan.

Colby also acknowledged cyber and space vulnerabilities tied to any conflict over Taiwan and said the department should integrate resilience, offensive cyber capabilities and intelligence with traditional military planning. He committed to work with Congress and the services on these priorities if confirmed.